Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 3075 Location: Rhos, West Wales
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: Portabote 12ft.
Being in the market for my own boat, I have been doing some research, and came up with the "Portabote" as a possibility to consider.
Now the idea of a twelve foot boat that folds up intrigued me - sufficiently to contact Mr Portabote UK, Roger Jackson (very helpfull fellow ) to arrange a "hands on" demonstration. So early in the moring - yesterday Fri 20th June I travelled the 364 miles to Lowestoft. (Yes - I know I'm Mad )
After a friendly introduction and having been shown the various models, Roger asked me about its intended use. "Single handed easy launch and recovery - for fly fishing - with an occasional use with a friend - Pike and trout in inland waters - Possible inshore coastal work." Was my reply. "No problem," says he "All these boats will do all of that."
Off in his van, with what looked like a twelve foot, four inch thick surfboard strapped to the roof and a canvas type bag inside. Quick stop for fuel and a brand new 3.5 HP Mercury engine, then it was away to the river Waveney at Beccles for the demo.
On arrival, the surfboard was lifted down, and with a couple of quick movements became the hull Out of the bag came oars, seats and transom. Roger gave me a slow time building/construction demo. Popped in the 3 seats, secured the transom with 4 bolts and wingnuts and he was done. I'm sure if he had done it in normal time it would have taken less than 5 mins.
Engine went on, spare fuel just in case, my Fly Piking rod and boatbag. Then he shoved the whole lot over the concrete slipway into the river He got aboard and invited me to "Jump in".
Now honestly - I didn't fancy it - I'm used to rigid boats, and this looked anything but rigid. As I got in the floor and sides moved Very weird and I said so. "Everyone says that." Laughed Roger, fired up the engine and headed out of the dock area for the main river.
I won't go into all the details as my fingers will have fallen off by then. Suffice to say Roger stood up and jumped around in the boat - Yes it moved, but I had no thoughts of catastrophy. We chugged and roared around, the engine, small as it was, pushed us around at impressive speeds. Roger demo'ing that his boat could do everything and more that a rigid can. Spun it in its own length and rammed a solid wooden quay both at full throttle, then insisted that I did the same, on my own, and wanted me to throw it around to get a feel for its handling capabilities. These were not just impressive but astonishing - imagine a coracle, powered by an outboard. Very easy to steer when not playing silly b*gg*rs with the tiller.
Did a spot of fishing for pike on the fly - standing up to cast Torrential rain then occured, and neither of us being dressed for this unexpected, very heavy shower, it was back to the slipway, whereupon Roger, with the engine at full throttle, proceeded to ram the Portabote straight up the concrete. "Tides in," He said "the engine wont ground" I was thinking about the hull - and the shock to me when it hit. Needn't have worried - Took it in its stride. Boat dis-assebled in double quick time and back to the shop for a candid question and answer session.
Only one photo from me, due to the rain, of the almost refolded "surfboard" on the slipway
Brilliant day - Fantastic demo. I was very impressed with the PortaBote, its ease of transport and assembly. Its stability and handling - the fact that Roger seemed perfectly happy to "abuse it" with absolutely no damage to the hull, but mostly for its Fun. Oh - and its "weirdness.
My sincere public thanks to Roger for a brilliant day out and a fantastic demo - All questions answered in full - nothing was too much trouble and I appriciated all your help and candour.
Tony - Boat.
Will I buy one - Unsure, as I have other "toys" lined up to "play with" - But its a very strong contender for my money.
great story tony.i thought it was april 1st for a moment im impressed mate.fair play to the demostraitor for "using and abusing".i bet he certainly gave you the confidence in to maybe buying one .look forward to your next report.cheers.steve
Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 3075 Location: Rhos, West Wales
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:
Bought the required roof rack at Halfords today.
Arranging to pick up my new PortaBote 12 footer shortly (next Weds hopefully).
If you see something strange on the top of a car on the M25 - It might be me.
Main reason for the decision is that I can take "The Cafe" (trailer tent) AND the boat. The Broads, The Lake district, Lomond, even Loch Awe. Plenty of scope for a weeks fishing holiday.
Main reason for the decision is that I can take "The Cafe" (trailer tent) AND the boat. The Broads, The Lake district, Lomond, even Loch Awe. Plenty of scope for a weeks fishing holiday.
Anyone for fishing.
Tony.
Could be up for a weeks fishing on Loch Awe
Spider _________________ Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same.
No-one told you when to run,
you missed the starting gun.
Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 580 Location: nth. ayrshire
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:39 pm Post subject:
hi lakefisher, one of my friends bought this portabote, we packed it on top of car and set off for seven days trout fishing in caithness, boat was brilliant, no problems, takes two people to assemble, ten minutes and you are off. 3.5 engine ideal, not many fish caught, but boat a success. loch awe a bit dodgy, waves can be huge, remember safety jacket at all times. enjoy yourself.
thewidowsson. [ just arrived back home on saturday night 21st. ]
Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 3075 Location: Rhos, West Wales
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject:
Thanks for that Widowsson,
Glad to hear you had no "boat" problems. The PortaBote makes total sense to me, having given one a go.
I'm familiar with the waves that can suddenly show up on Awe, having spent many days out on it in my old car topper, 10ft rigid with a 5.5 Yamaha as OB power. Very brown pants occasionally but thankfully - in hindsight - nothing that I or the boat couldn't cope with.
Do you need any kind of boat licence for it Tony? _________________ Where are you if you have too few rules? France.
Where are you if you have too many rules? Germany.
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Fisheries
) to arrange a "hands on" demonstration. So early in the moring - yesterday Fri 20th June I travelled the 364 miles to Lowestoft. (Yes - I know I'm Mad 
)
Out of the bag came oars, seats and transom. Roger gave me a slow time building/construction demo. Popped in the 3 seats, secured the transom with 4 bolts and wingnuts and he was done. I'm sure if he had done it in normal time it would have taken 
Very easy to steer when not playing silly b*gg*rs with the tiller. 
I was thinking about the hull - and the shock to me when it hit. Needn't have worried - Took it in its stride. Boat dis-assebled in double quick time and back to the shop for a candid question and answer session.
- Boat. 
.look forward to your next report.cheers.steve
